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City in the West Midlands, England
Photo: Mat Fascione, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Birmingham, in the West Midlands, is Britain's second-largest city. Known in the Victorian era as the "City of a Thousand Trades" and the "Workshop of the World", Brum, as locals call the city, is enjoying a 21st-century resurgence as a great shopping and cultural destination.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Restored Jacobean mansion built between 1618 and 1635, containing period rooms and artwork. Cannon damage from the English Civil War is still visible. The Hall was visited by Arthur Conan Doyle and Washington Irving, inspiring the latter's 'Bracebridge Hall'. Aston Hall by Candlelight is a popular Christmas event that takes place every two years (even numbers) where the whole grounds are lit by candles for 17th-century festivities (fee charged). Closed when Aston Villa are playing at home. Admission to grounds is free.
Small gallery with an excellent eclectic permanent collection, including many pre-Raphaelites. Good Britain Guide gallery of the year 2004. As of April 2026, the Barber galleries are closed for a major building improvement project.
Large museum with some local history, several temporary exhibitions and large permanent collection, including an extensive collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Home to part of the stunning Anglo-Saxon hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold metal work discovered just north of Birmingham in 2009. Includes the Gas Hall and Waterhall Gallery of Modern Art.
As of August 2025, only some galleries are open, due to refurbishment.
Small gallery with two or three temporary modern and conceptual art installations. Excellent cafe (see below).
Rocks and fossils, aimed at a broad range of audiences. One of five UK museums shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year Award in 2017, following major redevelopment of its displays.
Built in 1765, Sarehole Mill is a fine example of one of more than fifty water mills that existed in Birmingham at one time. Matthew Boulton used the Mill for making buttons and for metal rolling until he moved his operations to Soho in 1761. In the late 1890s Sarehole was the childhood haunt of Hobbit author J.R.R. Tolkien, and famously influenced 'The Shire' in The Lord of the Rings. See website for special events. Nearby is Moseley Bog (see 'Parks and nature', below) a woodland said to have inspired Fangorn Forest. Admission to the grounds is free.
RBSA
Independent art gallery; frequent temporary exhibitions and works for sale.
The elegant home of industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton, who lived at the house from 1766 to 1809. Here, he met with some of the most important scientists, engineers and thinkers of his time - the Lunar Society. Entry by guided tour only: 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
Science museum with lots of hands-on activities, vehicles and industrial machines, however the activities all smell of their popularity. IMAX cinema (see Cinema section) in the same building.
Last surviving set of these 19th-century cramped, working-class houses in Birmingham, restored and preserved by the National Trust.
Newman Brothers Coffin Furniture Factory
An industrial heritage museum in the Jewellery Quarter, dedicated to educating visitors about the social and industrial history and importance of the site which was in operation as a coffin furniture factory from 1894 to its closure in 1998. Ornaments made by the Newman Brothers decorated the coffins of Sir Winston Churchill, Joseph Chamberlain, and many others. Many of the historic rooms, among which the "stamp" room, can be viewed and visited. Guided tours are highly recommended and start at 1PM, 2PM and 3PM.
One of the oldest buildings in Birmingham and a typical example of "black & white" Tudor architecture, constructed in 1590 by Richard Smalbroke as a timber-framed farmhouse. Many historic artefacts are on display in the museum, including authentic candlesticks and pewter goblets. The Gilbertstone, moved in local folklore by the Giant named Gilbert, is displayed in the grounds of the museum.
The north of Birmingham hosts Jaguar's Castle Bromwich Assembly plant, which makes most Jaguar's models, and especially the high-end ones. Factory visits are available, and have to be pre-booked by contacting the Visitors Centre by phone or email.
Huge chocolate factory south of the city centre. Tour includes the history of chocolate and the Cadbury company, plus a brief look at some of the factory floor. Some free chocolate, plus relatively cheap mis-shapes in the shop.
Church of England cathedral, built between 1709 and 1715 and now the centre of the Diocese of Birmingham. Grade 1 listed building, designed as a parish church in the Baroque style by Thomas Archer. Contains four spectacular pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows by Burne Jones.
Situated in an inner-city area of Birmingham close to Edgbaston Reservoir, the gold-roofed pagoda is a sight to behold. The pagoda is designed as symbol of peace, compassion and the noble exemplary qualities of the Buddha.
Catholic cathedral built in 1841 and designated a Minor Basilica in 1941. Contains the Shrine of St. Chad.
St. Martin is the parish church of Birmingham, or "The Cathedral of the Bull Ring", as some would say. The first church was probably Norman, but was rebuilt in the 13th century. As it stands today, most of the church dates from 1875, though inside you can see the 1325 effigy of the Lord of the Manor Sir William de Bermingham. The church is Grade II* listed.
Grade I-listed Georgian church with Victorian spire
Completed in 1966, it is the second tallest structure in Birmingham at 152 m, and serves solely as the support for transmission antennas mounted atop it. It has no viewing platform or other accessible floors at all, but it can serve as a landmark and orientation point as it is clearly visible from many parts of the city. Its square profile sets it apart from many other similar structures in the world.
The new library building at Centenary Square was opened in September 2013 to replace the 1970 Birmingham Central Library nearby (demolished 2016). It is the single largest public library in the UK and one of the largest in Europe. The building was designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo architecten, and took four years to build. It includes an intricate facade decoration, despite the very simple form of the building, as well as a number of innovative sustainable features. To explore the building take the lift to the top (9th) floor to see the Shakespeare Memorial Room, a fine wooden panelled library, which used to be in the city's library built in 1882. There is also a viewing window to look over the city. There are outside garden spaces on the 7th and 3rd floors which give different city views. The four lower floors house the public library, laid out in impressive style.
The Exchange
A signature, Grade-I-listed, building for the red-brick-and-terracota Victorian style prevalent in the late 19th century in Birmingham, which lacked natural stone and battled sooting problems due to air pollution. It is also a symbol of modernisation of Birmingham, as it was built to house the Central Telephone Exchange for the city; the logos of the Bell-Edison company are still visible within the building. As the telephone exchange relocated many decades ago, the building now houses offices and a bar.
The Old Crown lays claim to being the oldest building in Birmingham (purportedly there since 1368, although almost all of the present timber-framed building dates from the early 16th century). Saved from demolition multiple times, it remains an operational pub, also serving food.
The original central railway station of Birmingham, offering connections to London, Liverpool and Manchester since 1838. It was quickly overshadowed by the first Birmingham New Street station, built in 1854, and saw less and less traffic, becoming a goods station only in the 20th century, before being put completely out of use in 1996 with its tracks later dismantled. The only surviving remainder is the original station entrance building, which is Grade I listed and quite elegant in form, and part of a side wall. As of 2025, it stands next to land which is being redeveloped as the terminus for the HS2 railway, into which it is to be incorporated. The building is not open for visiting.
The Rotunda was devised as a 25-storey office building in a round shape, from which it derives its name. In many ways, it was a groundbreaking and daring engineering and architectural feat when it was constructed, and because of this is Grade II listed. In the 2000s it was thoroughly refurbished as a residential tower with 232 luxury apartments. Those on floors 19 and 20 are available for short term stays via Staying Cool, who operates them. The building is not accessible to the public.
A war memorial built in 1925 for the 12,320 Birmingham citizens killed in the First World War.
A concert venue and meeting hall, known for its occasional lunchtime organ recitals.
The seat of local government. Not open to the public, except for special events and council meetings. Several WWI & II memorial plaques have been relocated here from other municipal buildings and may be seen by appointment.
Birmingham Institute of Art and Design
Built in 1885 in High Victorian red brick style as a new seat for the Birmingham School of Art, the building retains its original function as its original occupier survived several educational institution mergers and is now the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design within Birmingham City University. The building itself is Grade I listed.
Magistrates' Court
A prime example of Birmingham's red-brick-and-terracota architecture, covered not only with deep red terracota on the outside, but also with rich terracota decorations on the inside. Located in the grand Corporation Street among other buildings similar in style. First opened in 1891, it continues to house a court of law, the Birmingham Magistrates' Court.
The hall was built in 1904 in a similar red-brick-and-terracota style to the Victoria Law Courts it faces. It is distinguished by its tall tower. It also retail premises at street level, some with original shop fronts. The building ceased to perform its original function and has been used as a very large night club. It is Grade II listed, and on "at risk" registers.
The former coffee house is a rare, Grade I listed, example of a wall-to-wall townhouse in the Arts & Crafts style. It was built to house offices of the Eagle Insurance Company in 1900.
A thin corner building in the red-brick-and-terracota style was devised to house industrial workshops, with incorporated machinery and infrastructure. The building, distinguished by its ornamental tower at the very corner, ended up housing consecutive ethnic restaurants, most recently Syrian.
Large botanical gardens with a huge range of plants and workshops throughout the year.
Six-acre centre with lots of animals and birds, including deer, otters, owls and two rare Red Pandas.
The Dell
A small woodland area that is said to be the Inspiration for Fangorn Forest in the Lord of The Rings. The area is well looked after with a series of wooden platforms and walkways creating pathways to follow. A visit can also be linked in with Sarehole Mill (see above), another haunt of young Tolkien.
Take a walk around on the Moseley/Edgbaston border. The park has a boating lake and is home to the Midlands Arts Centre. This has a theatre, an 'art-house' cinema and year-round exhibitions.
Large sea life centre with a multitude of aquatic animals, including piranhas, turtles, sea horses, rays and otters. Feeding demonstrations throughout the day.
A bird reserve on the border with Sandwell which organises regular guided walks, talks and family activities.
Enormous (over 900 hectare) park including heathland, wetland, marshes, woodland and lakes. Designated an English Nature National Nature Reserve in 1997. Lots of activities on offer including golf, angling, cycling and bird watching.
450-acre meadow, hedgerow and woodland park containing Woodgate Valley Urban Farm and Hole Farm Trekking Centre. Best visited in spring and summer when there are hundred of wild flowers and butterflies.
More of a public square than a true park.
NEC
A huge exhibition centre, staging more than 180 exhibitions each year in 21 halls totalling 200,000 m². Also has a 12,000-seat arena hosting national and international sporting and entertainment events.
National Indoor Arena
A fairly large, modern arena hosting many national and international sporting and entertainment events. Prices vary with event and seating.
A modern convention centre sharing a building with Symphony Hall.
Self-styled "Birmingham's Creative Quarter" this eclectic venue plays host to various events, as well as club nights on weekends and some weekdays in what was an actual custard factory in its former life. On bigger nights the large pool at the centre of the venue is drained and turned into a dancefloor with a heated marquee over it.
Internationally renowned concert venue with two to four classical concerts per week. Also offers free pre-concert talks.
Modern rehearsal facilities for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). Concerts usually once a week, including Centre Stage intimate chamber music.
Digbeth Institute
O2 Institute (formerly The Institute, HMV Institute, etc) is a new name. Focusing on alternative, pop and urban music, the venue has 3 stages, hosting gigs from local and touring bands. Also hosts regular club nights.
Relocated from its previous Dale End location, O2 Academy is a large music venue hosting many gigs from local and touring artists. The Venue has 3 separate arenas, O2 Academy, Academy 2 and Academy 3 and each venue may be open consecutively with up to 3 different gigs on some nights. The venue mainly focuses on alternative rock and indie. Weekend gig tickets usually allow entry to the club night going on afterwards.
Edwardian theatre showing pre- and post-West End plays and musicals.
Large, refurbished theatre showing varied performing arts, including ballet, musicals, comedy, opera and drama. Home of the Patrick Centre for the Performing Arts and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Preferred venue for the Welsh National Opera.
Independent local theatre company performing both old and modern plays.
Built in 1913. Home of the Birmingham Stage Company, puts on both professional and amateur productions.
The Rep
Well-established theatre putting on classical and modern plays. Supports new work through The Door.
In a beautiful 1864 building that was built as a bank, this intimate (only 95 seats) theatre hosts guest performances, two resident companies, a Musical Theatre Group, and a regular Theatre Group. It is the main venue for the comedic Foghorn Improv. Downstairs is a pub in the preserved Victorian bank hall with a glass dome and lavish decorations.
Midlands Arts Centre
The mac, located in the leafy suburb of Edgbaston has a small but perfectly formed arthouse cinema, and a cafe, hosts art exhibitons, and is a concert and theatre venue.
Part of the Thinktank science museum. 2D and 3D films shown on an enormous (five story) screen. Some mainstream films, mainly documentaries.
A large modern multiplex showing recent mainstream films.
A large modern multiplex showing recent mainstream films.
Cinema showing mainstream films, near to Bullring shopping centre and New Street station. You can't really call it much of a multiplex. It is a 1930s building with very few screens and the seats are so close together your legs hurt after the advertisements.
Multiplex within the Star City entertainment complex north east of the town center (which also boasts restaurants, bars, nightclubs, bowling and a large casino). The cinema offers 24 screens, including 3 gold class screens with larger, more comfortable seats, at-seat service, free popcorn and a bar.
Villa play in the Premier League, England's top tier, and are one of England's more successful clubs, most recently winning the Europa League in 2026. Their 42,736-capacity stadium is 2 miles north of the city centre. The women's team plays in the Women's Super League, their top tier, with home games in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield.
City play in the Championship, the second tier. Their 30,016 capacity stadium is one mile east of city centre. The women's team were promoted in 2026 and play in WSL their top tier, with home games at Solihull Moor.
West Brom play in the Championship, the second tier. Their stadium, capacity 26,800, is four miles northwest of Birmingham city centre.
County Ground
Stadium of 25,000 capacity, home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, one of the 18 "First Class Counties" comprising the first tier of English cricket. These county matches last 3-4 days, day tickets £6-£15, and you'll find few others there for a mid-week county match. Edgbaston frequently also hosts international (or "Test") matches, lasting up to 5 days, day tickets £20-£70. Also playing here are Birmingham Phoenix men's and women's teams in The Hundred short game. The stadium is a mile south of city centre, walk along Pershore Rd (A441), or take bus 45 or 47.
Alexander Stadium, situated in Perry Barr, is Birmingham's only large athletics stadium and plays host to international meets and trials to decide the English/British teams for major events as well as being the base for the Birchfield Harriers athletics club. The stadium's various sporting facilities are also open to public use. £1-2, capacity 18,000.
Edgbaston Priory is the main tennis club in Birmingham, with 29 tennis courts, 10 squash courts, 2 swimming pools and a gym available to the public. Every June the club also hosts the DFS Classic, a woman's tennis tournament that acts as a warm-up for Wimbledon. DFS Classic tickets £8-20.
The Belfry Golf Club runs three courses just to the north east of Birmingham, including the world famous Brabazon course which has been used for the Ryder Cup and continues to play host to tournaments on the PGA European Tour. Green fees £25-140, tournament spectator tickets £7.50-20.
Large go-karting centre just east of the city centre. £10-50.
The Ackers is an outdoor activity centre offering a range of activities, ranging from kayaking and archery to rock climbing and dry slope skiing. Prices vary depending on activity. Skiing/snowboarding sessions £11 for one hour.
Premier League speedway racing.
skateboarding or BMX-ing
Located just outside Tamworth in Staffordshire, is the fourth most popular theme park in the UK, with 35 rides set in 280 acres of land as well as a 15 acre zoo. To get to the park during school holidays simply catch the special E22 bus in the mornings (typically just before 9 and 10) from Carrs Lane stop DK (near the Pavilions Shopping Centre). A return ticket should cost £10. Outside of school holidays you'll need to catch bus 110, which runs every half hour from Bull Street stop BF (near Snow Hill station) and get off at Fazeley. The return fare is £4. If you're unsure of where exactly the stop is (and it's easy to miss) ask the driver to signal you when you need to get off. Admission £18.95-20.95.
Perfect English breakfast. You can fully comprehend why there is a queue outside on a Sunday for breakfast because the food is so good.
Tasty from the burritos to the chips and the sauces. The meat is tender and juicy and the flavours are distinct and bold.
Fire food, try the supreme burger. A chicken steak burger for £2 (April 2021).
Lovely vegetarian panini. The seating is comfortable and the overall decor is nice.
Leon serves high quality tasty food and extremely quickly when on the move. They have a great vegan selection as well. Relaxing atmosphere and wonderful decor.
Nice baguettes. The jacket potatoes are good quality, well filled and piping hot.
Authentic Edwardian cafe. The food is a lot better than the price suggests.
Fairly small cafe with a good range of organic and vegetarian foods. Excellent in the summer, as it's (unsurprisingly) right on the canalside.
Excellent reputation for their roasted vegetables or jacket potatoes. Absolutely excellent cafes, big helpings not shy on the cheese, garlic mayonnaise and chilli sauce if you were to order them.
Rooster House
Delicious, slightly suspect chicken in huge quantities but don't order off the board or you'll be waiting all day
An internet cafe offering a wide selection of hot drinks and cakes. Probably more genuine cafe that happens to do internet connections, than your typical scummy internet cafe.
Halal grill serving charcoal chicken and kobedah kebab, plus curries, biryani, pizza, burgers and wraps. Eat in or take away.
Modern cafe attached to the art gallery with efficient and friendly staff. Another branch is at Stephenson Street, B2 4BH.
The Chinese Restaurant in Birmingham, established since 1981. Opposite Arcadian Centre.
Picturesque area in the middle of a busy and bustling Birmingham suburb. Quality vegetarian options and excellent service.
Upmarket Italian place, can be a bit crowded.
Birmingham's restaurant of the Wagamama chain, tidy and minimal inside with a good, varied noodle menu. Specials change frequently and there are a few good vegetarian dishes. Can get busy, with a typical wait from 10-15 minutes during peak shopping times.
Thai cuisine, excellent value and quality, although often full and some find it a little packed/claustrophobic.
An up-market balti house.
A Spanish tapas bar/restaurant. Bar area downstairs with seating and a tapas menu, upstairs a restaurant with a wider menu. Pretty authentic Spanish fare.
Very pleasant pub with a youngish crowd in the centre offering a selection of traditional pub food and more modern dishes and vast selection of beers and wine. Not cheap for pub food slow service but good quality.
Ideal venue for both drinking and dining with a fabulous reputation for food. Quality steaks, fresh fish, set price menu and superb wine list. The bar is vibrant every weekend and is open to 1AM. It's a stylish place but friendly and attracts a great mix of people.
Seasonal seafood, pasta, salads and cocktails.
Varied menu and live music most nights.
One Michelin star.
Excellent Indian food, but relatively small portions. Extremely popular, so book ahead.
Wholesome organic vegetarian and vegan fare. Closely linked with Friends of the Earth.
Handsworth Wood. Vegan and vegetarian pizza restaurant.
Plant focused, casual dining restaurant. Dishes highlight seasonal ingredients.
Quiet and comfortable pub, in the Gun quarter. Home-cooked food, too.
Large city centre pub belonging to the Wetherspoon chain.
Cheerfully ornate, gothic style cellar bar beneath The Burlington Hotel. Discretely hidden just off the bustling New Street. Bacchus is a relaxing oasis away from the buzz of the City Centre. A range of real ales is available. Over 21s only.
Situated out of the rear of the Mailbox complex, has great traditional blue tiled exterior.
Popular venue in the financial part of town, great food available every day. Known for quality pub food from local suppliers.
Make no mistake this is a chain pub serving standard food and drinks. However, when the sun is shining it is difficult to find a nicer place to drink along Birmingham's canals as there is a plethora of outdoor seating. Visited by Bill Clinton during his Birmingham visit.
Superbly decorated pub in a Grade II listed former bank. Sells mainly Fullers' beers.
Single bar with large-screen TV. The pub is popular with office workers.
A great place to watch live sport and the venue of the best quiz night in Birmingham every Thursday night. It's just £1 to enter and there's no limit on the size of the teams. A great night out for seasoned quiz-goers and first-timers alike. Homemade pizzas and a sausage selection giving a fresh choice every day, also has two for one offers every weekday. Great place for traditional ales and a Cask Marque award winner.
An outstanding and frequently-changing selection of well-kept real ales, lagers, ciders and perry (the current list can be viewed on-line), run by knowledgeable CAMRA members. No food served, but condiments, cutlery and crockery are available to people bringing their own (supermarkets and fast-food premsises are nearby).
Supposedly a noodle bar, as evidence by a small noodle based menu. Really this is just a pretty decent bar/nightclub. It stocks the standard beers and drinks as well as a number of rarer Asian beers. Has a number of extremely comfortable sofas.
One of the best, but also one of the most pretentious clubs in Birmingham. It's not cheap but is still the place to be seen. The dress code here is very hard to define, they want "cool".
Big 3 room club, with a variety of music. Great for kids. Over 23's will feel ancient in here.
Canal side bar with a decent range of beers. Perfect for a nice lunch time drink in the summer months, sitting outside by the canal.
Victorian pub with decent menu & many types of fine ales.
Victorian pub near Digbeth Coach Station. Grade II listed.
Grade II listed. Opposite the Thinktank at the Millennium Point.
A upscale restaurant bar occupying the vaulted underpinnings of an imposing Victorian building with signature exposed brickwork, bespoke furniture, polished wooden flooring.
Regularly showcases live music on a Thursday evening and showcases various nights including ‘Rizen’ on a Friday where the house DJ plays funky and electro house.
This cosy and quiet pub gets busy because of its attraction.
Cosy, moderately priced, popular with medical and nursing students.
An odd V shaped pub as the name suggests on the junction of the High Street and Vivian Road. A really nice pub sells some real ales and good selection of lagers. Sells good pub grub as well.
Comprehensive Thai menu and bar snacks. Refurbished after having been derelict. Noted for its near-original and highly elaborate Victorian interior. Former customers include Ozzy Osbourne and Laurel and Hardy.
Now the biggest club in Birmingham.
Giving visitors a brilliant experience of the UK and International indie scene combined with fantastic prices. Held at the 2000+ capacity Carling Academy, Dale End.
Very similar to Ramshackle; with DJs offering more focus on up and coming music, also with a 1960s room. "Big Wednesday"'s are big with the large student population Birmingham has, with shots at just £1 each all night.
One of the most popular clubs among students in Birmingham. Still it is good fun on Monday and Wednesday night.
Best for R'n'B on Broad Street. Get there early on Sundays. Cheap drinks promotion.
Dance and R'n'B. Guest DJs
Birmingham's most famous gay club. Often has guest performers
A warehouse club next to the Rainbow pub in Digbeth which hosts a variety of underground events playing Dubstep, Drum & Bass, Breakbeat, and Techno. Check for events.
Located in Digbeth, PST is a private members club offering underground reggae nights. Check for events.
A live music venue located in the Kings Heath district, which has earned its reputation hosting nightly events including artists and DJs across almost all musical genres.
A live music venue located in the Moseley district, the upstairs transforms into an intimate club environment open til 2AM on Fridays & Saturdays.
A 20-somethings pub named after the Irish poet.
A traditional English pub bought by La Plancha; wide range of real ales.
The Bull's Head
Has an affiliation with the Custard Factory in the city centre.
A tapas bar opened in 2005.
Birmingham's only independent hostel features a central location only streets from The Bull Ring, and next to the nightclubs of Digbeth. Beds in a shared dorm can be found for as little as £9 if you've got a sharp eye out and both breakfast and various foods in the evening are included, making it the West Midlands only half-board hostel. It is in the oldest part of the city, right near where the original manor house once stood. The area can look a little uninviting (this is what you will find outside the very centre of this industrial city), but the hostel makes up for it by being socially inviting (films/football can be watched and they have a Wii, playstation and xbox) and, as mentioned, still being close to The Bull Ring. They offer nightly events such as quiz night, beer tasting, movie nights and disco, and the common room is probably the best around.
Less than a 10-minute walk to the centre, Hatters Birmingham have upped the norm in hostel accommodation boasting all ensuite rooms and a common room. Price includes bed linen & a free light breakfast which is served all day.
For groups looking for accommodation in the scenic Lickey Hills, but with easy access to the centre.
If you are travelling by car and on a budget, Campanile is your friend wherever you go - the rooms could not be more simple, but the locations are usually very convenient at motorway junctions. In Birmingham, it is north of town, where the A4540 ringroad meets the A38, which goes straight into the city, and has the added benefit of being located over the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal lock.
Comfort Inn is a brand of non-standardized properties where price often trumps modern comforts, and this hotel is no exception. It also boasts a location right in front of the New Street station.
mid-priced and provide easy access to the centre of Moseley Village but in need of refurbishment.
Contemporary 3-star hotel offering 285 stylish rooms, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast.
The new Hampton brings some colour to Birmingham's economy hotel market, merging new with old as it is located in a building dating back to 1910. Its name honestly describes its location northwest of the city centre.
The tall tower with 224 rooms has relatively large common areas and everything expected of a Holiday Inn Express, including free WiFi and breakfast included in the room price. It replaces the older property which now became the ibis Styles.
The slightly out-of-town ibis is more of an option for motorists, situated at a large roundabout of the A45 circling the city. It is one of the older ibis hotels in the UK.
A standard and slightly dated ibis hotel in the very centre of the city
This is an older ibis whose suburban style belies its location close to the business district and the Holloway Circus evoked in the name.
formerly Etap Hotel
Offering perhaps the cheapest hotel stays in Birmingham, the ibis Budget is a chain hotel optimized for low costs, with very simply appointed rooms with just enough space.
formerly Holiday Inn Express and Lionel Street Hotel
Located east of the core city centre on Lionel Street, it is a former Holiday Inn Express property that became and ibis Styles after some very light refreshment. As in all ibis Styles, breakfasts and free WiFi are included in the room price, which can be very attractive, compensating for the less central location.
Despite the imposing Victorian presence, this hotel in the southeastern corner of Birmingham offers very attractive rates. This comes not only at the expense of a relatively remote location, but also standards of the worn rooms, which fall deeply behind the expectations one might have experiencing the common areas.
As typical as a Premier Inn gets, it is situated in a nondescript 1970s building with simple rooms - but just around the corner from to the St. Phillip's cathedral.
There is no shortage of Premier Inns in Birmingham. This one is next to the New Street railway station.
This Premier Inn serves the ICC and faces a canal.
There is nothing "central" about this motel-style Premier Inn at the junction of M38 and M4045, which faces a similar Campanile across the canal, but if you are a motorist, you will enjoy its convenient location and free parking.
The Premier Inn at Brindley Place is the chain's most up-to-date property, with a marked difference in fittings over the other ones in town.
City centre (close to the university). Offers mid-range accommodation for business and travelling guests.
Castle Bromwich Inn
By the M6 motorway in Castle Bromwich, west of Birmingham
Victorian villa with 12 rooms in leafy Edgbaston, with gastro-pub next door.
The Bloc Hotel offers ultrasmall rooms (10 sqm) all wrapped in minimalistic, modern decor, which can appeal to design enthusiasts.
Situated on the Aston University grounds, the Conference Aston is a convention centre with an on-site hotel. Hotel guests can enjoy the facilities of the Woodcock Sports Centre across the road, including a full-sized Victorian swimming pool
One of the hotels serving the ICC and a monument to the era in hospitality mercifully gone by.
Southwest of the centre at Brindleyplace, the Hilton Garden Inn offers simple modern comforts in its four-star rated facility. WiFi is free and Neutrogena toiletries are provided.
An old Holiday Inn in an office/commercial area of the centre
formerly Jury's Inn
Huge hotel in a brutalist concrete block, catering to business visitors of the ICC. Enjoys a solid reputation despite a complete lack of charm.
The property brands itself as a boutique hotel, where postmodern common space appointments are meant to make up for the ultrasmall (7 sqm) cabins that serve as ensuite rooms.
The familiar white-and-light-wood Novotel rooms await in what is not quite the centre, but rather the Brindleyplace complex.
This relatively new mid-range property is swamped in pentahotel's hallmark purple lighting and entices with a potpourri of postmodern appointments. Both standard and "comfort" rooms are small (12 sqm)
The Ramada is a part of the Mailbox multi-use complex, where you will find multiple restaurants, shopping opportunities and service outlets. The hotel faces a canal, which provides for nice views and ambiance, but the rooms are in dire need of redecoration.
A rare occurrence of IHG's extended-stay brand outside of North America, the Staybridge Suites Birmingham offers studios and apartments with kitchenettes and other long-stay facilities, including on-site gym. Breakfasts are included in room rates.
Best Western
Near the International Convention Centre, National Indoor Arena and the Bull Ring Shopping Centre.
The conservatively-styled - and little outdated - Thistle faces St. Chad's Cathedral over a busy thoroughfare.
As nondescript as a Crowne Plaza gets, this hotel was built to serve the ICC next door. Despite having been updated since, it still has a somewhat sombre presence.
Near Birmingham Airport.
Linked directly to the International Convention Centre (ICC) and is 5 minutes from the National Indoor Arena (NIA).
It is hard to miss Hotel Indigo's unique, jigsaw-style facade and the glazed extravaganza of its top-floor Marco Pierre White restaurant. Inside are colorful rooms with all the modern comforts, a spa, said restaurant and a bar with a view - all with a price to match. The building, aptly named the Cube, sits next to the Mailbox.
This stylish hotel caters for the luxury end of the four-star market, with an à la carte restaurant with open kitchen and in-room "media hubs" that let one connect their devices to the room's display and sound facilities.
A luxury hotel in Edwardian style and history to back it, directly facing the New Street station.
The Malmaison is an upscale property with an on-site spa, brasserie and wine cellar. It is located within the Mailbox multi-purpose centre.
The Radisson is located in a blue glass tower, with views over Birmingham's city centre, and is one of the few truly modern high-end hotels in the city.
Offering a dark take on its lush Victorian common spaces, the Hotel du Vin brands itself as lifestyle accommodation, with a number of facilities to match, including a cigar lounge.
Regionally-important shopping mall, connected to Grand Central
Home to the region's only Harvey Nichols, as well as many other designer boutiques.
Located directly above New Street Station. The mall provides a fast link from the Bullring directly into New Street Station, with relatively little pedestrian traffic.
Martineau Place is a small shopping centre, which holds a Gap, H&M, O'Neill Store and Freespirit, as well as an obligatory Starbucks Coffee House.
A traditional shopping arcade built in 1875 over the Great Western railway line, which cut through the city. It has an ornate entrance on the Temple Row side, and a less impressive one from Colmore Row and a clock with carillion. There is a mixture of all kinds of shops, all pleasantly fitting within the late 19th-century theme with their decorations.
A historic shopping arcade with painted plafonds and a potpourri of specialist premises right next to the New Street station.
The markets comprise the original trading centre that Birmingham was built upon. There are hundreds of stalls, and you'll be able to get everything from food to underwear to gaffa tape relatively cheaply.
known for decades as Nostalgia & Comics
Comics, graphic novels, manga and the usual alternative oddities. Ideal if you want to catch up on your favourite series while on the road.
A large and intertwining collection of several small retailers over four floors, specialising in goth and alternative clothing and accessories.
To the north of the city centre, specialises in jewellery and contains many small workshops and retailers.
Chinese supermarket with a wide range of Asian foods.
Speciality vegan wholefoods and other ethical essentials.
There is a selection of farm produce, but many stalls selling all manner of local foodstuffs (pies, jam, deli foods, etc.). It was a finalist in the best farmer's market in the UK competition.
Specialist arts and crafts from the best local designers, makers and artisans
is a small gallery in a someone's back-yard! It's only open for specific exhibitions which last a few days at a time. These usually display work by local artists. There is no admission charge.
A well-stocked deli, selling cooked meats, cheese, coffee and a wide selection of ethnic and organic foods and ingredients.
By train
Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain
By coach
Intercity buses, unless clearly stated otherwise, will terminate at Birmingham Coach Station.
By car
Birmingham is well sign-posted and surrounded by motorways; the M42, the M5, and the M6 which includes the infamous Spaghetti Junction (Gravelly Hill Interchange). Once in the West Midlands:
By boat
Due to its industrial heritage, Birmingham has an extensive canal network and is on both the "Worcester & Birmingham" and "Grand Union" canals.
By bicycle
Birmingham City Council produces an excellent cycling and walking map of the area. You can pick one up from any local library, tourist information office, leisure centre or bike shop.
By public transport
Bus, train and Metro all come under the authority of Transport for West Midlands their website is the best source for all information required on public transport in the region .
By bus
All areas of Birmingham are well-served by bus routes, operated almost exclusively by National Express West Midlands (NXWM) with some competition from smaller providers, notably Diamond Buses.
By train
There is an extensive overland rail network serving parts of Birmingham and the West Midlands area, operated mainly by West Midlands Trains.
By tram
Birmingham has a single 22 km tram line with 35 stops, rather grandly called the West Midlands Metro.
By water bus
Water buses and taxis operate out of the canal offices in Gas Street Basin (underneath Broad Street). They also provide tours of the area.
By car
Birmingham's city centre is slowly but surely making travel by car less efficient.
By motorcycle
Motorcycles and mopeds are becoming increasingly popular in Birmingham as a way of avoiding rush hour traffic jams, and usually enjoy free parking in city centre car parks.
By taxi
Birmingham has an abundance of taxi ranks all over the city, the best-served being New Street Station.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Birmingham, West Midlands · International · BHX
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